Rick Miller

Rick Miller is a Toronto-based Dora and Gemini award-winning writer/director/performer/musician/educator who has worked in five languages on five continents, and who Entertainment Weekly called “one of the 100 most creative people alive today”. He is also the founder and creative director of WYRD Productions, and co-creative director of Kidoons.

When did you first think of yourself as an artist?

I studied architecture at McGill, which of course required some artistic talent. But I don’t think I considered myself an "artist” until I found some success with my own theatre pieces. Come to think of it, I sometimes still wonder if I’m an artist, and what that actually means.

Who helped you develop your voice as an artist?

I’ve made no secret of my gratitude for having had Robert Lepage as a mentor for many years. I’ve been blessed to create many shows with him and his amazing company Ex Machina, and he opened up a whole world for me. But I think my dear friend and colleague Daniel Brooks was able to unlock even more of my own voice, with our work on Bigger Than Jesus and HARDSELL.

What’s something that’s inspired you recently?

I just cam back from a bike ride to downtown Toronto with my family, where we were led on a terrific Pride Walk by Heritage Toronto. But the most moving part of the ride was our stop at the memorials on Danforth and Logan. That’s my hood and these are my people. It inspired me to donate the proceeds of my band’s gigs at Eton House to #DanforthStrong on Aug 10-11

What’s your favourite restaurant in the city to visit?

I’m not a gourmet, nor do I appreciate fancy restaurants. But other than my local Danforth pubs, cafes and diners, I’d have to say that Queen Margherita Pizza on Queen East is our new family fave..

What do you want to see more of on Toronto stages?

Being a dad and a touring theatre performer, I don’t get out much when I’m home. I think I want to see more Toronto stages, period.